In the 21st century, peace, prosperity and progress remain goals – often elusive – of many in the world. Ironically, a century and a half ago, these conditions largely existed globally.
During the Victorian era (1837-1901), global society, while far from perfect, developed rapidly in terms of social justice, economic wellbeing, medical advances, scientific achievement and world peace.
Despite their shortcomings, the Victorian generation truly left their world better than they found it.
Each May, many nations celebrate Victoria Day, the birthday of Britain’s most influential monarch and arguably the most impactful woman in human history. More geographic place names have been named after Queen Victoria than any other woman except for the Virgin Mary.
In Southern California, Victorian times spanned the region’s development from a largely unknown outpost of the Spanish Empire to a vital part of the United States.
Southern California may not have the world’s best examples of Victorian architecture, compared to Britain and other Commonwealth nations.
But there are still some great places for the history buff, antiquarian or architecturalist to visit to come face to face with Victoriana.
Here are five spots not to miss.
Carroll Avenue (Los Angeles)
The largest concentration of Victorian homes in the Los Angeles area is on Carroll Avenue in the older Angelino Heights neighborhood, northwest of downtown.
These homes are private residences and should be respected as such, but there are numerous examples of Victorian architecture that can be photographed from the exterior.
This 1891 Queen Anne Victorian home is one of the best examples of this architectural style in the United States. In late Victorian times, Riverside had the nation’s highest per capita income due to citrus industry wealth. And the city had a significant British expatriate population, memorialized in many of the street names.
Heritage House is open free of charge Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays except for July and August. The grounds are also a great place to relax while taking a walk or bicycle ride down Magnolia Avenue.
Each year, Heritage House hosts a number of special events, including a Dickensian-themed Christmas party each December and a springtime ice cream social.
South Orange County’s Victorian past is on display on four acres of land in Lake Forest, home to four restored buildings from 1863 to 1908: a Mexican adobe, an early schoolhouse, an early Episcopal church, and a turn-of-the-century farmhouse.
There is no admission fee and guided tours are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, allowing visitors to access the buildings. At other times, only the grounds are open.
Kimberly Crest and Downtown Redlands
Perhaps no Southern California city has as much late 19th century architecture – in quantity and quality – as Redlands.
The foremost example is Kimberly Crest House & Gardens, which is locally famous as both a wedding and event venue and a historical point of interest.
On any day of the week, the house can be easily seen on the trails of Prospect Park, which itself is notable for dramatic vistas of the San Bernardino Valley below.
But a 45-minute tour is also available, with $15 adult admission. Tickets are available online.
An 1898 farmhouse displaying a mix of Queen Anne and Midwestern architectural styles still stands in the midst of heavily developed Huntington Beach.
Once home to one of Surf City’s founding families, the home is open to the public on the first and third weekends of each month.
This is a great historic stop to add to your next beach excursion!
For a complete listing of 86 Victorian era historic home museums in California, check out the list maintained by the Victorian Preservation Association of Santa Clara Valley.
These are great additions to a vacation or family or business trip to another city or an afternoon stop at that older home in your neighborhood you always see but have never explored.
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